Paige Bueckers (No. 5) of the UConn Huskies focuses on one game at a time with the Villanova Wildcats playing host on Sunday afternoon. (Photo: Frank Vitucci | The Podium Finish)
Paige Bueckers has long been known for her composure and innate leadership qualities. Whether on the court or off, her words resonate with poise and purpose.
As a redshirt senior, Bueckers embodies the selflessness defining UConn Huskies women’s basketball. This quality stems from a culture instilled by head coach Geno Auriemma and associate head coach Chris Daley.
“We’ve had conversations as a team, as individuals, on how they’re in a different role necessarily this year, but their impact is the same,” Bueckers said following the team’s recent victory over the Providence Friars. “Their ability to change and contribute to winning is the same. They’ve taken that to heart.”
Bueckers emphasized the significance of bench players stepping up to shift game momentum. The defensive intensity from UConn’s reserves has been a key component of recent victories.
“Whatever the starters did, they come in and completely change the game in whatever way that they do and they can,” she said. “Their defensive intensity tonight and the past couple games really have been tremendous and have shifted the game as soon as they came in.”
Navigating adversity has been pivotal for Bueckers and her teammates. In particular, her bond with Azzi Fudd, her longtime friend and teammate, has grown stronger through the shared challenges they have faced.
“I feel like we’ve relied on each other just for strength, and that’s been me and Azzi, the whole team with everything that we’ve went through,” Bueckers reflected. “Having experienced a lot of the same things, going through adversity together, seeing each other go through it.”
Their camaraderie has been a stabilizing force. Whether sharing laughs or offering support during tough times, these moments help keep the team grounded.
“Just to be able to motivate each other, be there on the good days and the bad, when you need a pep talk, when you need to talk when you’re sad, anything like that,” Bueckers said. “We’re just all there for each other and there to support each other in any way possible.”
Paige Bueckers (No. 5) involves her UConn Huskies teammates to win every game and work toward the program’s 12th NCAA Division I championship. (Photo: Frank Vitucci | The Podium Finish)
Looking back on past seasons, Bueckers acknowledged the importance of staying present and appreciating every moment. This mentality has carried her into this season as she focuses on UConn’s pursuit of its 12th national championship, ranked No. 7 with a record of 12-2.
“Obviously, the past didn’t go the way we wanted to, but you can’t change that for the future,” she said. “Our ability to help each other stay in the present and take nothing for granted and take advantage of what we have now. I think we can do a better job of that.”
For Bueckers, basketball is more than just a game. From her childhood days as a tomboy playing every sport to her fierce competitiveness, her passion for sports has been constant.
“I think I was kind of born with it,” Bueckers said. “As a kid, I was a tomboy. I played every single sport growing up at recess. Always tried to do the first pick when teams were picking. I tried to win every single board game.”
Her drive stems from an unrelenting pursuit of success and growth. She expressed her deep love for winning, coupled with an equally strong dislike for losing, qualities that define her approach to the game.
“I love winning and I hate losing, so it’s like equal,” Bueckers remarked. “I think it’s just sort of definitely in my nature of wanting to be the best, wanting to win and doing everything that I can to control that.”
Team resilience has been another focal point for the Huskies this season. Bueckers spoke about the team’s ability to stay composed during high-pressure situations.
“Yeah, I think the ability to not get rattled or shaken, a good connectivity between the teams,” she explained. “No matter what runs they go on, no matter how loud the crowd is or how things may not be shifting your way in the game, how well you can stay together, stay composed.”
As UConn prepares for Sunday’s Big East matchup against the Villanova Wildcats (1:30 p.m. ET on SNY and UConn Sports Network from Learfield, The River 105.9), the Huskies have been sharpening their focus. According to Bueckers, this poise is something the team developed through consistent practice and in-game situations.
“Now that our team has that, I think it’s still something that’s a work in progress that we’re trying to embody every single game and it starts in practice,” Bueckers said. “So it’ll be huge in preparation.”
The upcoming clash with Villanova will test their mettle, especially against a defensively-focused Wildcats squad. With standout players like Jasmine Bascoe, Maddie Burke, Maddie Webber, and Denae Carter, head coach Denise Dillon and her team will present a stiff challenge.
Despite Villanova’s defensive pedigree and the challenges posed by seven players departing through the transfer portal after last season, Bueckers and the Huskies know they must be at their best.
No matter if it is shootaround or game time, Paige Bueckers always give it her best for the UConn Huskies. (Photo: Frank Vitucci | The Podium Finish)
More importantly, the Wildcats are ready to take on Bueckers and her Huskies teammates in a tough Big East battle at the Finneran Pavilion.
Still, Bueckers remains thankful for the unwavering support UConn has received from its fans, whether at the XL Center in Hartford, Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, or on the road. For Bueckers, playing for the Huskies represents more than just basketball—it’s a privilege that she never takes for granted.
“It’s never something that I take for granted. I never want it to become normal,” she shared. “People spend their money and their time to come to watch us play, so to not give everything you have is cheating yourself and cheating them.”
With the spotlight on her this Sunday, Bueckers remains focused on cherishing the journey, uplifting her teammates, and giving her all in the UConn tradition.
